"Foliolum," which is Latin for "leaflet" or "little leaf" seemed a most suitable name for this oversized scarf, worked in the "Little Leaf Stripe" lace pattern from Barbara Walker's first treasury.

As a beginning spinner, I was looking to explore new horizons with this project, one of which was working with Anzula's luxury yak blend, as I have mostly worked with just wool up until this point.

I will confess that my first few attempts were not very successful, so I asked advice from a friend who has been spinning for several years. She explained that because the yak fibers are much shorter than the merino, I needed to work closer to the wheel. You see, I usually keep my hands fairly low (near my right hip) while I spin, which was not going to work this time around.

After playing around with a few different styles, I found that if I worked a "wrist-to-elbow's length" away from the wheel, I was able to create a lovely springy 2-ply yarn from this scrumptious fiber. Also, I wanted to experiment with crocheting with handspun yarn, which I used to create a simple edging for the scarf.

Foliolum is large enough to be worn as a shawl and suitable for warmer spring weather. I am encouraged to see where this "little leaf" -- my new passion for spinning -- takes me in future seasons.

Recommended needle size[always use a needle size that
gives you the gauge listed below --
every knitter's gauge is unique] 1 set US 4/3.5mm straight or circular needles 1 size E-4/3.5 crochet hook

Tools yarn
needle

GAUGE
22 sts/36 rows =
4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking

20 sts/34 rows =
4 inches in pattern stitch after blocking

PATTERN NOTES
[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

This oversized lace scarf is worked from end to end in a simple four-row lace repeat. The crochet edge is worked last.

The pattern works well with a variety of weights and textures of yarn so it is a great project for experiementing with new fibers and spinning techniques.

RLI (Right Lifted Increase): Insert the right needle into the stitch below the next stitch on the left needle. Pick up this stitch and place it on the left needle, then knit into it. 1 stitch has been increased.

SK2P: Slip 1 st as if to knit, k2tog, pass the slipped stitch over the stitch just knit.

Joanna's work has been published in Jane Austen Knits, Piecework, Knitting Traditions, and Spin-Off magazines. She once insisted she had "no time for spinning," but is now found at the wheel as often as possible.